U.S. and UAE Launch First Joint Military AI Task Force

The United States and the United Arab Emirates will launch their first bilateral military artificial intelligence task force in the coming weeks, a move that significantly expands defense technology cooperation between the two nations. The initiative, named Task Force Talon Synapse, was announced by U.S. Central Command on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

The task force will be based in Abu Dhabi and will consist of approximately 20 American and Emirati personnel with expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. Its primary mission will be to develop and integrate AI capabilities into military operations, with a focus on three key areas: intelligence support, the protection of critical infrastructure, and monitoring the regional security environment.

Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, described the partnership as a historic milestone, stating that the two countries share a commitment to adopting AI applications that will foster innovation at speed and scale. He characterized the UAE as one of the United States' most capable regional partners.

The initiative originated from discussions last year between Adm. Cooper and UAE National Security...